The Kyoto Flea Market Date
Mix sightseeing and shopping, as you wander the stalls with your soulmate.
For couples seeking a fun and memorable date in Kyoto, the city’s monthly flea markets offer a blend of charm, culture, and discovery. Perfect for those looking to share new experiences, three bustling markets held every 15th, 21st and 25th provide an opportunity to hunt for hidden treasures while visiting different temples across this ancient city. Strolling hand-in-hand over cobbled pathways, sweethearts can sample sweets, sip on freshly brewed coffee, and uncover keepsakes that will forever remind them of this special moment in time. Whether it’s a first date or a day to deepen the bonds of a longer-term love, Kyoto’s flea markets promise a romantic day out together.
Good for:
- Shoppers
- Getting to know you dates
- Early risers
Quick points:
- Outdoors
- Food & drink available
- Can be busier/quieter depending on the season & day of the week
Hyakumanben Handmade Markets
Date: 15th of each month (excluding August)
The most chill of the markets, where only handmade goods from local artists are allowed to be sold.
There is a calm, quiet vibe to the Hyakumanben handmade market. Set in the beautiful grounds of Chionji temple, vendors’ tents tuck into nooks in and around the sprawling premises, meaning a relaxed ramble could take a couple several sweet hours to traverse. There is a stunning variety of craft to enjoy. Examine together the gorgeous quilted purses made from vintage kimono, run fingers across hand-crocheted scarves, or marvel at delicate earrings made from tatted lace.
Crafty creators tweak their arrangements carefully, or stand by with a smile, ready to chat with potential shoppers.
The level of craftsmanship and (for now) reasonable prices, makes this market a popular place for people who want a special something & one-of-a-kind (just like their love).
Handmade cups, mugs, bowls & plates are all flea-market staples, though matching sausage dog chopstick holders might make the perfect gift to commemorate a new relationship.
Amongst the more typical offerings of wooden kitchen utensils and ceramics, shoppers can occasionally find truly unique creations, like these hand-tatted lace earrings in the lucky colours of the year.
Chionji temple, where the flea market is held, was established almost 800 years ago. Known as the temple of wisdom, and located within walking distance of Kyoto university, it is often visited by students praying for success on their exams. The handmade market started much more recently, in 1987, and is restricted to art created by its sellers. Perhaps thanks to the independent and artsy nature of the participants, there is a strong community feel to this market, as smiles and conversations flow between the store holders.
Neighbouring vendors chat and exchange gifts while waiting for customers.
Of course, no date would be complete without coffee and cake. While this market has less lunchy offerings than some of the others, it has several coffee suppliers, and multiple stalls providing muffins, biscuits, bread and other bakery goods.
A line of people wait for their freshly (hand) ground coffee.
Couples with dietary considerations can share gluten-free or vegan tea, apple, banana and cinnamon muffins together.
Starting at 9:00 and finishing at 16:00, Hyakumanben’s handmade market is a chill place to window shop or pick out something precious, while visiting a temple that has an amazing history of its own to uncover.
Toji Flea Market
Date: 21st every month (no holidays & also has a smaller antique fair first Sunday of each month)
Close to Kyoto station and on the site of one of its most famous temples, Toji is much busier than Hyakumanben and with a greater diversity of goods.
The smell of dorayaki cooking, the clang of metal and the chanting of monks. The Toji flea market is a sensory-filled experience. A favourite with locals and tourists alike, the “streets” are lined with unending hangers of old kimono, refreshment stands hawking yaki soba and fried chicken, and stalls selling fresh or pickled vegetables. In recent years, many of the vendors have begun accepting credit cards along with other forms of digital payment, making the process of parting with one’s well-earned cash much easier.
Antique hunters from across the country and the world visit Toji, hoping to find something special. However, it is always best to be wary, as few item of real value make it to the tables.
A true flea-market, Toji is often the place where people come to sell unnecessary or unused items.
There are also a wealth of choices when it comes to finding an old kimono, though many require some adjustment to fit foreign forms.
Toji temple is UNESCO World Heritage listed and its signature landmark is the five-story pagoda, the tallest wooden structure in Japan. Originally founded in 796, it is one of Kyoto’s earliest temples and dedicated to Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. On non-flea market days, the grounds are tranquil, and visitors can enjoy its beautiful gardens, ancient halls, and giant Buddhist statues. On flea market days, which start from 6am, it is recommended to visit as early as possible to avoid the crowds that stream in from 10am onwards.
Toji’s iconic pagoda looms over the peaked roofs of tents and the churning mass of shoppers, fossicking to find special trinkets.
Easily accessible from Kyoto station, or by bus, Toji is a popular spot throughout the year.
Kitano Tenmangu Antiques Flea Market
Date: 25th of each month
This is a market that rewards relaxed wandering, snacking, and those who love handmade discoveries.
The stalls of Kitano Tenmangu flea market stretch along the cobbled street by Kyoto’s oldest geisha district, and down the pine-tree lined paths of the shrine itself. Like Toji, this market is more of an antique fair, though it also offers handmade goods, a large plant section for green thumbs, and a selection of traditional (and slightly rusty) Japanese workman’s tools.
As Japanese houses shrink in size, there is less space for the kind of ornaments once enshrined within crystal cabinets and upon teak side-tables. Sake sets, statues of the 7 lucky gods and other spirits, tengu masks and delicately painted plates cover table after table, and provide excellent souvenirs for those visiting Japan.
Shadier than Toji, pine trees line the sando pilgrimage trail up to the main buildings making this market a cooler spot to visit in the warmer months. Also, the level paths ensure a higher level of accessibility for those in wheelchairs.
Kitano Tenmangu shrine is famous for its extensive plum blossom garden, which draws visitors in February, and its cooling summer festival (Hot Summer Night Festival Date) in August. Situated near Kamishichiken, Kyoto’s oldest geisha district, some say that the need to provide refreshments to its pilgrims is what began geisha culture here.
Visit Kitano Tenmangu’s stunning plum gardens in early spring.
From textiles to tengu markets to an ever-lasting love, find what you seek at the flea market.
Final Thoughts
In Kyoto, love and chance intertwine amidst the cluttered stalls of its monthly flea markets. From the artsy calm of Hyakumanben to the bustling crowds of Toji and the shaded treasure trove of Kitano Tenmangu, these markets offer something unique for every couple. Beyond the mementos waiting to be uncovered, there’s an atmosphere of connection – through sharing a home-made scone, marveling at the technique of a handmade piece, or strolling past ancient pagodas. Kyoto’s flea markets provide an unforgettable experience that leaves both hearts and hands full for dating couples looking to build true love with their potential life partner.